When can a Buff City Soap franchisee commence construction of the makery?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee may not begin site preparation or construction prior to receiving notification that Franchisor approves the plans.
All construction must be in accordance with the plans approved by Franchisor and comply in all respects with Applicable Law and the Lease.
- (5) Franchisee will commence construction at least 120 days before the Opening Date as set forth in Exhibit G and will complete construction no later than 30 days before the Opening Date.
Construction will be deemed to have commenced upon the commencement of site work by heavy equipment, or in the event the Makery is to be located in existing shell space, commencement of construction-related work at the Premises.
Franchisee will advise Franchisor of commencement of construction within ten days of the commencement date.
Once construction has commenced at the Premises, it will continue uninterrupted until completed except for interruption by reason of a Force Majeure Event.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 69–186)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buff City Soap Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee cannot begin site preparation or construction until they receive written notification from Buff City Soap that the franchisor approves the franchisee's submitted plans. These plans must comply with Buff City Soap's prototypical plans and standards.
Buff City Soap requires the franchisee to submit their plans for the makery to the franchisor for review. The franchisor will then confirm that these plans comply with their prototypical designs and standards. Buff City Soap will notify the franchisee in writing whether the plans are accepted or rejected within 30 days of receiving them.
The franchisee is expected to commence construction at least 120 days before the opening date specified in Exhibit G and complete it no later than 30 days before the opening date. Construction is considered to have started when heavy equipment begins site work or when construction-related work begins in an existing shell space. The franchisee must inform Buff City Soap of the construction start date within ten days of commencement, and construction must continue uninterrupted, except in the event of a Force Majeure Event.